If you have health insurance, you might think that you’ll be covered for any medical procedure you wish to have. However, in most cases, this is far from the truth. Nerd Wallet reports: “according to the American Medical Association (AMA), some insurers rejected nearly five percent of the claims they received in 2013.” Often, insurance providers reject claims for or simply refuse to cover procedures they deem “elective.” Medicine Net defines an elective procedure as “one that is chosen (elected) by the patient or physician that is advantageous to the patient but not urgent…the procedure is seen as beneficial but not absolutely essential at that time.”

From the patient or doctor’s perspective, the operation may make perfect sense, but you must remember that health insurance is a business, not a philanthropic activity, and providers have to consider their bottom line. In order to function fiscally, they simply can’t take on every elective procedure. That’s why our team at Healthcare Finance Solutions offers fair, affordable loans to help patients get the healthcare services they desire. Read on to learn about the top five elective procedures health insurance providers won’t cover (but we can help you pay for!).

1. Plastic Surgery

This is one of the most obvious categories for elective procedures. In the vast majority of cases, insurance providers will not pay for plastic surgeries, such as breast enhancement, face lifts, rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), or any other cosmetic treatments. Synonym explains that your provider may cover plastic surgery if it has “a functional purpose. For instance, women who have breast reduction surgery due to neck or back pain may have their treatment covered. Tummy tucks have been covered for bariatric surgery patients that experience irritation or fungal infection under the folds of skin that can form after rapid and permanent weight loss, as well.” However, even these “functional” cases are no guarantee of coverage. Fortunately, as a loan origination service, we can help you with the cost of cosmetic treatments.

2. Vision Correction

Modern technology and techniques have made vision correction a real possibility for millions of people who suffer from myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism (hazy vision due to irregular eye shape). While well-known treatments like LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis) can dramatically improve your quality of life and reduce your dependence on visual aids like glasses or contacts, most health insurance providers consider them elective and will not provide assistance. If you’d like to see more clearly but don’t have the cash to afford this treatment, a loan could be the right option for you.

3. Fertility Treatments

Many couples want to have children, but face medical obstacles in doing so. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “about six percent of married women 15-44 years of age in the United States are unable to get pregnant after one year of unprotected sex (infertility), [and] about 12 percent of women 15-44…have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term, regardless of marital status (impaired fecundity).” These struggles can be serious, emotional, and difficult to solve, but fertility treatments can remedy the circumstances. Daily Mail reports: “five million babies have…been born worldwide with the help of fertility treatment.” The downside is that these procedures can be quite costly. We can help you afford the care you need to have the family you want.

4. Hair Restoration

Baldness can make you feel insecure about your appearance. Strategic haircuts and wigs can only go so far. This problem is unfortunately much more prevalent than it may seem. Hair Toppiks explains: “an estimated 40 percent of men will have noticeable hair loss by age 35, and an estimated 40 percent of women will have visible hair loss by the time they are 40.” Hair restoration is almost exclusively considered an elective procedure, so most health insurance providers will not help patients cover the cost. We love helping patients enjoy thicker heads of hair with our services.

5. Dental Procedures

Your oral health can have a major impact on your overall wellbeing. For example, cavities can interfere with your nutrition and gum disease has been linked to a variety of serious health issues, including heart disease. Maintaining your smile requires at least two dental visits per year, as well as additional treatments as needed. Despite the importance of preventive and restorative oral healthcare, most traditional providers do not cover dental. If you can’t afford to invest in dental insurance or cover your expenses out of pocket, Healthcare Finance Solutions can help you get the funds you need to maintain your pearly whites.

Do You Need Help With an Elective Procedure?

If you need any of the above five treatments or another elective procedure, we may be able to help you pay for it. Contact Healthcare Finance Solutions today to learn more about our services.